Preparation for death is one of the most important parts of life.

During the Middle Ages, many poems and treatises were published on this topic, and written for every sort of person. But during the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, this sort of spirituality fell out of fashion.

Cardinal Roberto Bellarmino, known during his working life for his skills with law and argument, in old age found himself preparing for death by writing simple books that returned to the simple spirituality he had been taught in childhood.

They became bestsellers.

In death he came to be honored as a saint and a Doctor of the Church.

The Art of Dying Well gives precepts on how to conduct yourself when near death.